CA2042632A1 - Brace for scaffolding plank - Google Patents
Brace for scaffolding plankInfo
- Publication number
- CA2042632A1 CA2042632A1 CA002042632A CA2042632A CA2042632A1 CA 2042632 A1 CA2042632 A1 CA 2042632A1 CA 002042632 A CA002042632 A CA 002042632A CA 2042632 A CA2042632 A CA 2042632A CA 2042632 A1 CA2042632 A1 CA 2042632A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plank
- brace
- primary
- base piece
- piece
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G1/00—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground
- E04G1/15—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground essentially comprising special means for supporting or forming platforms; Platforms
- E04G1/151—Platforms made of wood, with or without reinforcements
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
- Ladders (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The beam deflection resistance of a scaffolding plank is increased by removably positioning at least one secondary plank along the longitudinal axis of the primary plank and securing the secondary planks in position with the brace of the present invention. The brace comprises a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section. The brace has a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces. The first base piece is essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and has its ends affixed at right angles to the first ends of the two side pieces. The second base piece is essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and has its ends affixed to the second ends of the two side pieces.
Each side piece has a first and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle forced between said straight portions, the first straight portion being at the first end of said side piece and being at least as long as the thickness of said primary plank, said second portion being at the second end of said side piece and being of proper length and said obtuse angle being of proper angularity to form the isosceles trapezoidal cross section such that the height of said trapezoid is at least equal to the sum of the thickness of said primary plank and the width of said secondary plank.
The beam deflection resistance of a scaffolding plank is increased by removably positioning at least one secondary plank along the longitudinal axis of the primary plank and securing the secondary planks in position with the brace of the present invention. The brace comprises a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section. The brace has a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces. The first base piece is essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and has its ends affixed at right angles to the first ends of the two side pieces. The second base piece is essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and has its ends affixed to the second ends of the two side pieces.
Each side piece has a first and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle forced between said straight portions, the first straight portion being at the first end of said side piece and being at least as long as the thickness of said primary plank, said second portion being at the second end of said side piece and being of proper length and said obtuse angle being of proper angularity to form the isosceles trapezoidal cross section such that the height of said trapezoid is at least equal to the sum of the thickness of said primary plank and the width of said secondary plank.
Description
~2~32 BRACE FOR SCAF~OLDING PLANK
TEC~NI~A~ FIE~
The present invent~on rela~es to a brace rOr ~ncreasing the lengthwise deflection resistanc~ o~ a plank, particularly one used in a scafold. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brac~
for positioning a second plank perpendicularly ~eneath and against a scaffolding plank, ~o ~hat a defleotion resistant dimen~ion of the second plank bear~ upon the least deflection resistant dimension of the scaffolding plank, thereby increasing the deflection resistance of the scaffolding plank.
~ACKGROUND OF THE ART
The use c~ scaffolding in the construction trades dates to time immsmorial. The purpose of the scaffold is quite elementary. By provid;ng a plurality of spaced vertical support structures, one or more horizontal work surfaces can be positioned adjacent to the construction work so that workers can safely perform their duties. Because the oonstruction trade is an inherently mobile business, it is essential that the elements used in the scaffold be lightweight and portable. It is also essential that they be easily assembled and just as easily disassembled.
A very commonly utilized horizontal worX
surface in scaffolding applications is the wooden plank.
Basically, the plank is cut ~rom wood so that the length dimension of the plank is typically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tree from which the plank i5 cut. The other two dimensions of the plank, namely the width and thicknes~, are characteristic of the particular plank and provide the method ~or identifying the plank.
For example, a plank having a nominal width o~
.
, ., ' , 2 ~ 4 ~ 4~
.. ., . ., . , ............ , , _ . .. . .
approximately 12 inches and a nom;nal thicknes~ o~
approx~mately 2 inches ~s commonly r~ferred to as a "2 X
12" board. simllarly, a plank having a nominal width o~
approximately eight inches and an approximate nominal two inch thickness is called a "2 X 8. n Becauss the plank can be cut to various sizes along itæ length dimension, the length dimnsion is usually not referred to ~n such characterization, although tbe planks commonly used in scaffolding will vary from as short as 6 to 8 feet up to as long as 14 to 16 eet. The lower limit is practically set by the resulting reguirement ~or many vertical scaffold supports; the upper limit is set by transportability of the planks.
Due to the growth structure o~ the wood from which the planX is cut and because of the ~act that the normal orientation of the board when used for a scaffolding plank is the width dimension as the horizontal surface, the plank as usually positioned is most vulnerable to beam deformation from the horizontal direction due to loading upon the center of the plank.
Such loading occurs not only ~rom the weight of the workers on the planX, but also from the presence of their work materials. An especially serious weight problem is encountered in the masonry industry. In such a case of center loading of a beam or plank, the resulting downward deformation effectively shortens the horizontal span o~
the beam or plank and increases the angle of the ends with respect to the supports on which it is placed, so that the plank is subject to either breaking or falling off its supports.
As the result of this, ~sers of scaffolds are obliged to shorten the length between the vertical supports, however, thereby increasing the time to assem~le and disassemble the sca~olding structure as well as increasing the overall cost of the structure.
2~2fi3~
.. . . , . . , . -- . ... .
~U~MAR~ OF_'E~ I~vENTI~N
~ ~irst ob~ec~ of the presQnk ~nvention 1~ to present a brace ~or ~ti~ening or increaslng the deformation re~istance of a plank alonq i~ longitudinal dimension.
A second object o~ the invent~on i8 to make such de~ormation stif~eniny by use of a second plank that can be engaged upon the lower ~ide o~ the ~irst plank in an easily assembled and disassembled manner.
A th~rd object of the ~n~ention is to enable a scaffolding plank to be rein~orced by a variety of different sizes of planks. These and other objectives o~
the invention are achieved by a brace ~or increasing the beam deflection res;stance of a primary plank by removably positionin~ at least one secondary plank against said pri~ary plank in a perpendicular relationsh~p, each said plank having dimensions of width, length and thickness, said brace comprising: a closed ~rame member, having an ess~ntially isosceles trapezoidal cross section, comprising a first base piece, a s~cond base piece, and two side pieces, each said base piece and side piece having respective first and second ends, said ~irst base piece being essentially as long as the widt~
of the primary plank and having its respecti~e ~irst and second ends affixed at right angles to the respective first ends of said two side pieces; said second ba~e piece being essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed to the respective second ends of one of said two side pieces; each said side piece consisting of a ~irst and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle formed between said straight portions, said first straight portion being at the first end o~
said ~ide piece and being at least as long as the thickness o~ said primary plan~, said second portion , 20~3~
.. . . . . ..
being at the ~econd end of said ~i~e piece and being o~
proper length and said obtus~ angle belng o~ proper ~ngularity to orm the isosceles ~rapezoidal oross section such that the height o~ said trapezoid is at lea~t equal to ~he sum of the thic~ness of said pri~ary plan~ and the width of said secondary plank. ~urther ob~ects are obtained by a such ~ brace wherein the second base piece is adap~ed with means ~or removably ~asteni~g said secondary plank to said brace. Yet ~urther ob~ects are obtained by -Quch a ~race wherein t~e brace ~urther co~prises means ~or supporting said secondary plank or planks ~n a perpendicular relationship to said primary plank, particularly wherein said means ~or support;ng comprises a pair of essentially n~"-shaped members having first and seoond ends, said first ends afrixed to the said ends of the second bas~ piece and said second ends af~ixed along the length of said second straight portion of the adjacent said side piece, such tha~ the nL~-shaped members are positioned internal to the essentially isosceles trape~oidal cross-section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood when reference is had to thé following drawings, wherein: ~
FIGURE 1 shows a plank of wood, as ~nown in the prior art;
FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the present invention, revealing i~s essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section:
FIGURE 3 is a ~ide view o~ the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a partial view of the lower portion o~ an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a view of the alternate embodiment of FIGURE 4~ as seen along Line 5-5 therein; and , 6 3 ~
FIGURE 6 i6 a pQrgpQCtiVe Yi~!W of~ th~3 present inventlon ~n operatlve engage~Qn~ w~th a prlm~ry and seconda~y plank~
~BS~RAC~OE ~ ~a~II~
In the enclosed description o~ the drawings and in the accompanying drawings, the ~ollowing letters and nu~bers are used to indicate th~ followlng parts:
is the obtuse angl4 betw~n side portions 26A and 26B;
H is the vertical height of the brace 20 of the present invention;
L is the length of a plank 10:
T is the thickness of a plank 10;
W is the width o~ a plank 10:
10 is a generic plank know~ in the prior art;
12 is a primary plank of the type of ~lank 10 known in the prior art;
14 is a secondary plank o~ the type of plank 10 known in ~he prior ar~;
20 i5 a brace o~ the preent invention;
22 is a first base piece of the brace 20;
24 is a second ~ase piece of the brace 20:
26 is a side piece of the brace 20, having first and second portions ~6A and 26B, respectively;
30 is an internal means for supporting secondary plank 14, having first and second leg portions 30A and 30B, respectively;
32 is an aperture for ~astening secondary plank 14 to brace 20;
40 is a plate;
42 is an aperture in plate 40;
44 is a ~ightening screw; and 46 is a concavity in plate 40.
' , 2 ~ 3 ~
PE~AI~ED DE~Ç~PTIO~ OF_~HE DR~IN~
The type o~ plank, particularly one oP wood, that i~ known and used ~n ~he prior art ~or sca~olding ~s shown in per~pective i~ FIGURE 1. Such a plank 10 has a width W, a thlckness ~ and a length L. O~ these three dimension~, width W and thlckn~s~ T tend to b~
characteristic o~ the pl~nk; and length ~ is selected by the user and is sub~ect to relative change. In ~he specific example of using suc~ a plank of wood 10 as a scaffolding plank, it will be typical to find a length in th~ range of 6 ~eet to 16 feet, but ~t will be appreciated that length L longer or shorter than this can be used and the limits provided are only optimal limits imposed by economics and transportability.
It will be well understood to those of skill in this art that, due to the method by which the plank is cut from the tree from which it is formed, and the relatively thicknesses of the dime~sions, that if plank 10 is suspended between supports at the end of its length dimension and the thickness dimension T is exposed to the weight loading, particularly towards the center portion of the pl~nk, the plank will de~lect and potentially break. It will also be very clear~y understood that if the same beam is ~upported at the end of its length dimension but, rather the thickness dimension T ~eing exposed to the loading the width dimension ~ is instead is exposed, the deflection under the same weight will be far less. Unfortunately, the area available as a horizontal work space, also proportionally decreases.
Even further, it ~ill be understood that if the same plank 10 is positioned such that the supports are at the ends of the width dimension and the length dimension is available to bear the weight load, the deflection will be much much less, but th¢ available work surface will be reduced even further.
' ~
2~2~32 From these ~t is clearly de~irable to 1ncreasQ
th~ reslstance to bea~ deflection o~ a be~m or plank 10 when it ls positioned ~n the ~irst method, that 18, thQ
~ethod where supports are at th~ ends o~ the 12ngth dimension and we~ght i8 imposed in the direct~on o~ the thickness dimension.
A method oP increasing the resistance to beam deflection of a first plank 12 by removably positloning a second plank 14 beneath the center of the ~irst plank 12 by an essentially isosceles trapezoidal rame ~ember 20 is shown in FIGURE 2.
The bracket 20 has essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, in which a first base piece 2~ is attached ~o a second base piece 24 which is shorter than the first base piece 22. Affixed to or into grow width the respective ends of the first and second base pieces 22 and 24 are a pair o~ side pieces 26. Each side piece 26 has two distinct straight portions, indicated as 26A and 26B in Figure 2. Each respective section 26A and 26B is of a speci~ic.length as will he explained further below and ~he angle between 26A and 26s, as shown by an obtuse angle in FIGU~E 2, is also set by the particularly use of the br~cket 20.
Positioned internally to the trapezoidal shape are a pair of support means 30, shown in FIGURE 2 as an essentially L shaped member comprising the horizontal leg 30A and a vertical leg 30B, positioned at a right ~ngle to each vther.
With the overall structurs of the trapezoidal frame me~ber 20 in mind, a better understanding can now be had ~ the ~ize relationships of the parts. The length of the first base piece 22 should be approximately the same length, or slightly longer than, the width dimension w o~ the primary plank i2 which is to be reinforced by use of the frame member 20. The ~rame 20~2fi32 member 20 should be sized such that th~ width dimension of plank 12 w~ll fit com~orta~ly insid~ the ~rapezoidal frame between respective side pieces 26A, which are affixed perpendicularly to ~rst base pl~ce 22. The length of the ~irst side portion 26A should be approximately the same length or ~llghtly longer than the thickness dimension of the plank lZ 50 that the opposition o~ first base 22 and the angular~ty of second side piece 26B will hold the pri~ary planX 12 relatively securely in place. This relatively secure positioning of the primary plank 12 inside the trapezoidal ~rame structure 20 is independent of the presence of the secondary plank 14. However, it is also desirable to have secondary plank 14 to fit into ~he trapezoidal structure in a relatively secure manner. For that reason, the relatively height of the trapezoldal frame member 20, that is, the dimension H as shown in Figure 2, should be such that it is approxi~ately the same as, or slightly larger than, the su~ of the thickness dimension T of the primary plank 12 and the width dimension W o~
seconda~y plank 14.
The length of second base piece 24 should be such that it is approximately the same lQngth as or slightly larqer than the thickness dimension of secondary plank 14. It should be understood in discussing secondary plank 1~, however, that it is possible that more than one secondary plank 14 could be used, in which case the length of the second base piece 24 would be approximately the same or slightly larger than the sum of the thicknesses of the secondary plank 14 which would be stacked with their width dimensions adjacent to each other.
With these constraints upon the relative sizes o~ various pieces, and with the further constraint that the fram~ member is to have an essentially isosceles 2~%g32 trapezoidal cross-sect~onal area, the relatiY~ length of the second sid~ piece 26B and the angularity o~ obtusa angle 0< can be easily determ~ned for any giv~n ~ize ot primary plank 12 and secondary plank 14, It hould be not0d that at thi~ point that in many cases ~he sizes o~
primary plan~ 12 a~d ~condary plank 14 may bc the same, although thl~ 18 not necessary or essential to thQ
operation of the invention. All that is necessary for the preparation of the invention is that ~he bracket 20 that is selected for use should be properly ~ize to accommodate the relative sizes oS primary plank 12 and secondary plank 14 when they are positioned in the relatively perpendicular alignment sho~n in Figure 20 The purpose o the essentially L-shape p~ir of internal members 30 i5 to further align and position or support the secondary plank 14. It will be understood by one o~ sXill in the art that the ~unction carried out by support means 30 may be carried out by piece 30A alone, piece 30B alone, or, in some cases, the support 30 will not be necessary.
FIGURE 3 shows a side view of the present invention 20 to disclos~ the relative thickness of the bracket 20 viewed perpendicularly to the cross-section disclosed in FIGURE 2. It may be readily appreciated that a perspective view of the brac~et 20 would disclose the same feature in a similar manner. A further feature which is also shown in FIGURE 3 ~s an aperture 32 which is shown extending through the center of the second base piece 24. The purpose of this apPrture 32 is to permit a nail or other fasteninq means to be driven into the secondary plank 14 once it is positioned to prevent it from slipping or sliding out o~ the hold of the frame 20.
A further embodiment o~ the present invention is disclosed in FIGURE 4, which shows a partial view o~
the lower end o~ the fra~e 20. In this view, the 2~2~
. .
secondary support pl~nk 14, 3hown a~ a plurality o~ three such plank~ held in place by a moveable plat~ 40 which is held in a parallel relation~hip to the second base plate base piec~ 2~ by the passlng o~ 8upport mean~
30B through apertures 42 located near thQ respect~ve ends of support plate 40. In this ~lternative embodiment, the height H indicated i~ Figure 2 would be somewhat larger so that it would clearly exceed the sum of th~ thickness o~ the primary plank 12 and the width o~ the secondary plank or plan~ 14 so that the planks 14 would bQ first positioned and then tightened into place by at least one tightening screw 44 which would threadingly pass ~hrough plate 24 from the lower side and bear upon the lower sidQ
of plate ~o.
Viewinq the support plate 40 from LINE 5-5 shown in FIGU~E 4, a ~urther optional ~eature of the support plate is disclosed~ on the side o~ the support plate facing the tightening screws 44 a number of concavities 46 corresponding to the number of tightening screws 44 are positioned so that, when the tightening screws 44 are tightened to bear upon the lower surface of support plate 40, a concavity 46 to accc~modate the end of tightening screw 4~ along plate 40 is provided. In this matter, the slippage of tightening screw 44 is minimized.
Just as the first embodiment was shown in FIGURE 2 as haviny a single secondary plank 14 in use and the second embodiment shown in FIGURE 4 shows a plurality of three such planks 14, there is no limitation of the separate embodiments, so that a plurality of planks 14 could have been used with the embodiment in PIGURE 2 or a single plank 14 could have been used with the second embodiment in FIGURE 4.
The operative engage~ent of the brac~et 20 of the present invention with scaffolding planks 12 and 14 2~2~3~
. , . . . . . , _ . . . .
is illustrated ~n Figur~ 6. In thls cut away v~ QW the engagement o~ the relativQ parts at on~ ~nd o~ each such plan~ 12 i~ shown. It will be understood that placement of a similar bracket 20 a~ the other end og p~an~ 12 would be used, and it is conceivable that it ~ay be desirabls to usa even more than two bracket~ to securely hold secondary plank 14 benea~h th~ scaffolding plank 12.
If such a third or additional bracket 20 were to b~ used, it would preferable to place it toward the center of the length of the primary plank 12 or another symmetical pattern.
Although the relative thickness o~ the individual pieces of braclcet 20 as shown in ~igure 2 and their relative width in Figure 3 are not cri~ical to the invention, it will be understood that a preferred method of pr~paring the invention 20 would be to use steel or similar ~etal, even more preferably, a barstock being approximately 1/8" thick and about 2~ wide.
Although the preferred material of construction is metal, it is also clear that the invention is not limited by such a material and that a thermoplastic material would indeed be functional ~or that purpose.
One knowledgeable in the ~ormation of metallic pieces will certainly be familiar with the proper methods and location of welding the relative parts of the bracket 20.
Similarly, one forminq the bracket 20 from a proper thermoplastic material, such as a polycarbonate, polypropylene, or similar material, will be familiar with the ~olding methods needed and ~he relative size of the respect~ve pieces.
Referring to Figure 6 again, then, a method for reinforcing a primary plank 12 by increasing the deflection resistance of the plank has been disclosed~ A
second plank 14 is positioned centrally beneath the width dimension of the first plank 12 so that the thickness 2~2~32 .. . .
dimenslon o~ th~ second plan3c 14 bear~3 agaln~t the underside of the f lrst plank 12 along th~3 length of t~
~ rslt plank 12 . .~t leas~c two bxackets 20 o~ the present invent~on are used to hold such second plan3cs 14 lrl such positlonO
While in accordance with the paterlt sta'cutes thQ best mode and pref~rred embodi.ment o~ the invention has been descr1bed~ lt i~ to be understood that the invention is not limi~ed ~hereto, but rather is to be measured by 'che scope and spirit of the appended claims.
TEC~NI~A~ FIE~
The present invent~on rela~es to a brace rOr ~ncreasing the lengthwise deflection resistanc~ o~ a plank, particularly one used in a scafold. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brac~
for positioning a second plank perpendicularly ~eneath and against a scaffolding plank, ~o ~hat a defleotion resistant dimen~ion of the second plank bear~ upon the least deflection resistant dimension of the scaffolding plank, thereby increasing the deflection resistance of the scaffolding plank.
~ACKGROUND OF THE ART
The use c~ scaffolding in the construction trades dates to time immsmorial. The purpose of the scaffold is quite elementary. By provid;ng a plurality of spaced vertical support structures, one or more horizontal work surfaces can be positioned adjacent to the construction work so that workers can safely perform their duties. Because the oonstruction trade is an inherently mobile business, it is essential that the elements used in the scaffold be lightweight and portable. It is also essential that they be easily assembled and just as easily disassembled.
A very commonly utilized horizontal worX
surface in scaffolding applications is the wooden plank.
Basically, the plank is cut ~rom wood so that the length dimension of the plank is typically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tree from which the plank i5 cut. The other two dimensions of the plank, namely the width and thicknes~, are characteristic of the particular plank and provide the method ~or identifying the plank.
For example, a plank having a nominal width o~
.
, ., ' , 2 ~ 4 ~ 4~
.. ., . ., . , ............ , , _ . .. . .
approximately 12 inches and a nom;nal thicknes~ o~
approx~mately 2 inches ~s commonly r~ferred to as a "2 X
12" board. simllarly, a plank having a nominal width o~
approximately eight inches and an approximate nominal two inch thickness is called a "2 X 8. n Becauss the plank can be cut to various sizes along itæ length dimension, the length dimnsion is usually not referred to ~n such characterization, although tbe planks commonly used in scaffolding will vary from as short as 6 to 8 feet up to as long as 14 to 16 eet. The lower limit is practically set by the resulting reguirement ~or many vertical scaffold supports; the upper limit is set by transportability of the planks.
Due to the growth structure o~ the wood from which the planX is cut and because of the ~act that the normal orientation of the board when used for a scaffolding plank is the width dimension as the horizontal surface, the plank as usually positioned is most vulnerable to beam deformation from the horizontal direction due to loading upon the center of the plank.
Such loading occurs not only ~rom the weight of the workers on the planX, but also from the presence of their work materials. An especially serious weight problem is encountered in the masonry industry. In such a case of center loading of a beam or plank, the resulting downward deformation effectively shortens the horizontal span o~
the beam or plank and increases the angle of the ends with respect to the supports on which it is placed, so that the plank is subject to either breaking or falling off its supports.
As the result of this, ~sers of scaffolds are obliged to shorten the length between the vertical supports, however, thereby increasing the time to assem~le and disassemble the sca~olding structure as well as increasing the overall cost of the structure.
2~2fi3~
.. . . , . . , . -- . ... .
~U~MAR~ OF_'E~ I~vENTI~N
~ ~irst ob~ec~ of the presQnk ~nvention 1~ to present a brace ~or ~ti~ening or increaslng the deformation re~istance of a plank alonq i~ longitudinal dimension.
A second object o~ the invent~on i8 to make such de~ormation stif~eniny by use of a second plank that can be engaged upon the lower ~ide o~ the ~irst plank in an easily assembled and disassembled manner.
A th~rd object of the ~n~ention is to enable a scaffolding plank to be rein~orced by a variety of different sizes of planks. These and other objectives o~
the invention are achieved by a brace ~or increasing the beam deflection res;stance of a primary plank by removably positionin~ at least one secondary plank against said pri~ary plank in a perpendicular relationsh~p, each said plank having dimensions of width, length and thickness, said brace comprising: a closed ~rame member, having an ess~ntially isosceles trapezoidal cross section, comprising a first base piece, a s~cond base piece, and two side pieces, each said base piece and side piece having respective first and second ends, said ~irst base piece being essentially as long as the widt~
of the primary plank and having its respecti~e ~irst and second ends affixed at right angles to the respective first ends of said two side pieces; said second ba~e piece being essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed to the respective second ends of one of said two side pieces; each said side piece consisting of a ~irst and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle formed between said straight portions, said first straight portion being at the first end o~
said ~ide piece and being at least as long as the thickness o~ said primary plan~, said second portion , 20~3~
.. . . . . ..
being at the ~econd end of said ~i~e piece and being o~
proper length and said obtus~ angle belng o~ proper ~ngularity to orm the isosceles ~rapezoidal oross section such that the height o~ said trapezoid is at lea~t equal to ~he sum of the thic~ness of said pri~ary plan~ and the width of said secondary plank. ~urther ob~ects are obtained by a such ~ brace wherein the second base piece is adap~ed with means ~or removably ~asteni~g said secondary plank to said brace. Yet ~urther ob~ects are obtained by -Quch a ~race wherein t~e brace ~urther co~prises means ~or supporting said secondary plank or planks ~n a perpendicular relationship to said primary plank, particularly wherein said means ~or support;ng comprises a pair of essentially n~"-shaped members having first and seoond ends, said first ends afrixed to the said ends of the second bas~ piece and said second ends af~ixed along the length of said second straight portion of the adjacent said side piece, such tha~ the nL~-shaped members are positioned internal to the essentially isosceles trape~oidal cross-section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood when reference is had to thé following drawings, wherein: ~
FIGURE 1 shows a plank of wood, as ~nown in the prior art;
FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the present invention, revealing i~s essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section:
FIGURE 3 is a ~ide view o~ the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a partial view of the lower portion o~ an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a view of the alternate embodiment of FIGURE 4~ as seen along Line 5-5 therein; and , 6 3 ~
FIGURE 6 i6 a pQrgpQCtiVe Yi~!W of~ th~3 present inventlon ~n operatlve engage~Qn~ w~th a prlm~ry and seconda~y plank~
~BS~RAC~OE ~ ~a~II~
In the enclosed description o~ the drawings and in the accompanying drawings, the ~ollowing letters and nu~bers are used to indicate th~ followlng parts:
is the obtuse angl4 betw~n side portions 26A and 26B;
H is the vertical height of the brace 20 of the present invention;
L is the length of a plank 10:
T is the thickness of a plank 10;
W is the width o~ a plank 10:
10 is a generic plank know~ in the prior art;
12 is a primary plank of the type of ~lank 10 known in the prior art;
14 is a secondary plank o~ the type of plank 10 known in ~he prior ar~;
20 i5 a brace o~ the preent invention;
22 is a first base piece of the brace 20;
24 is a second ~ase piece of the brace 20:
26 is a side piece of the brace 20, having first and second portions ~6A and 26B, respectively;
30 is an internal means for supporting secondary plank 14, having first and second leg portions 30A and 30B, respectively;
32 is an aperture for ~astening secondary plank 14 to brace 20;
40 is a plate;
42 is an aperture in plate 40;
44 is a ~ightening screw; and 46 is a concavity in plate 40.
' , 2 ~ 3 ~
PE~AI~ED DE~Ç~PTIO~ OF_~HE DR~IN~
The type o~ plank, particularly one oP wood, that i~ known and used ~n ~he prior art ~or sca~olding ~s shown in per~pective i~ FIGURE 1. Such a plank 10 has a width W, a thlckness ~ and a length L. O~ these three dimension~, width W and thlckn~s~ T tend to b~
characteristic o~ the pl~nk; and length ~ is selected by the user and is sub~ect to relative change. In ~he specific example of using suc~ a plank of wood 10 as a scaffolding plank, it will be typical to find a length in th~ range of 6 ~eet to 16 feet, but ~t will be appreciated that length L longer or shorter than this can be used and the limits provided are only optimal limits imposed by economics and transportability.
It will be well understood to those of skill in this art that, due to the method by which the plank is cut from the tree from which it is formed, and the relatively thicknesses of the dime~sions, that if plank 10 is suspended between supports at the end of its length dimension and the thickness dimension T is exposed to the weight loading, particularly towards the center portion of the pl~nk, the plank will de~lect and potentially break. It will also be very clear~y understood that if the same beam is ~upported at the end of its length dimension but, rather the thickness dimension T ~eing exposed to the loading the width dimension ~ is instead is exposed, the deflection under the same weight will be far less. Unfortunately, the area available as a horizontal work space, also proportionally decreases.
Even further, it ~ill be understood that if the same plank 10 is positioned such that the supports are at the ends of the width dimension and the length dimension is available to bear the weight load, the deflection will be much much less, but th¢ available work surface will be reduced even further.
' ~
2~2~32 From these ~t is clearly de~irable to 1ncreasQ
th~ reslstance to bea~ deflection o~ a be~m or plank 10 when it ls positioned ~n the ~irst method, that 18, thQ
~ethod where supports are at th~ ends o~ the 12ngth dimension and we~ght i8 imposed in the direct~on o~ the thickness dimension.
A method oP increasing the resistance to beam deflection of a first plank 12 by removably positloning a second plank 14 beneath the center of the ~irst plank 12 by an essentially isosceles trapezoidal rame ~ember 20 is shown in FIGURE 2.
The bracket 20 has essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, in which a first base piece 2~ is attached ~o a second base piece 24 which is shorter than the first base piece 22. Affixed to or into grow width the respective ends of the first and second base pieces 22 and 24 are a pair o~ side pieces 26. Each side piece 26 has two distinct straight portions, indicated as 26A and 26B in Figure 2. Each respective section 26A and 26B is of a speci~ic.length as will he explained further below and ~he angle between 26A and 26s, as shown by an obtuse angle in FIGU~E 2, is also set by the particularly use of the br~cket 20.
Positioned internally to the trapezoidal shape are a pair of support means 30, shown in FIGURE 2 as an essentially L shaped member comprising the horizontal leg 30A and a vertical leg 30B, positioned at a right ~ngle to each vther.
With the overall structurs of the trapezoidal frame me~ber 20 in mind, a better understanding can now be had ~ the ~ize relationships of the parts. The length of the first base piece 22 should be approximately the same length, or slightly longer than, the width dimension w o~ the primary plank i2 which is to be reinforced by use of the frame member 20. The ~rame 20~2fi32 member 20 should be sized such that th~ width dimension of plank 12 w~ll fit com~orta~ly insid~ the ~rapezoidal frame between respective side pieces 26A, which are affixed perpendicularly to ~rst base pl~ce 22. The length of the ~irst side portion 26A should be approximately the same length or ~llghtly longer than the thickness dimension of the plank lZ 50 that the opposition o~ first base 22 and the angular~ty of second side piece 26B will hold the pri~ary planX 12 relatively securely in place. This relatively secure positioning of the primary plank 12 inside the trapezoidal ~rame structure 20 is independent of the presence of the secondary plank 14. However, it is also desirable to have secondary plank 14 to fit into ~he trapezoidal structure in a relatively secure manner. For that reason, the relatively height of the trapezoldal frame member 20, that is, the dimension H as shown in Figure 2, should be such that it is approxi~ately the same as, or slightly larger than, the su~ of the thickness dimension T of the primary plank 12 and the width dimension W o~
seconda~y plank 14.
The length of second base piece 24 should be such that it is approximately the same lQngth as or slightly larqer than the thickness dimension of secondary plank 14. It should be understood in discussing secondary plank 1~, however, that it is possible that more than one secondary plank 14 could be used, in which case the length of the second base piece 24 would be approximately the same or slightly larger than the sum of the thicknesses of the secondary plank 14 which would be stacked with their width dimensions adjacent to each other.
With these constraints upon the relative sizes o~ various pieces, and with the further constraint that the fram~ member is to have an essentially isosceles 2~%g32 trapezoidal cross-sect~onal area, the relatiY~ length of the second sid~ piece 26B and the angularity o~ obtusa angle 0< can be easily determ~ned for any giv~n ~ize ot primary plank 12 and secondary plank 14, It hould be not0d that at thi~ point that in many cases ~he sizes o~
primary plan~ 12 a~d ~condary plank 14 may bc the same, although thl~ 18 not necessary or essential to thQ
operation of the invention. All that is necessary for the preparation of the invention is that ~he bracket 20 that is selected for use should be properly ~ize to accommodate the relative sizes oS primary plank 12 and secondary plank 14 when they are positioned in the relatively perpendicular alignment sho~n in Figure 20 The purpose o the essentially L-shape p~ir of internal members 30 i5 to further align and position or support the secondary plank 14. It will be understood by one o~ sXill in the art that the ~unction carried out by support means 30 may be carried out by piece 30A alone, piece 30B alone, or, in some cases, the support 30 will not be necessary.
FIGURE 3 shows a side view of the present invention 20 to disclos~ the relative thickness of the bracket 20 viewed perpendicularly to the cross-section disclosed in FIGURE 2. It may be readily appreciated that a perspective view of the brac~et 20 would disclose the same feature in a similar manner. A further feature which is also shown in FIGURE 3 ~s an aperture 32 which is shown extending through the center of the second base piece 24. The purpose of this apPrture 32 is to permit a nail or other fasteninq means to be driven into the secondary plank 14 once it is positioned to prevent it from slipping or sliding out o~ the hold of the frame 20.
A further embodiment o~ the present invention is disclosed in FIGURE 4, which shows a partial view o~
the lower end o~ the fra~e 20. In this view, the 2~2~
. .
secondary support pl~nk 14, 3hown a~ a plurality o~ three such plank~ held in place by a moveable plat~ 40 which is held in a parallel relation~hip to the second base plate base piec~ 2~ by the passlng o~ 8upport mean~
30B through apertures 42 located near thQ respect~ve ends of support plate 40. In this ~lternative embodiment, the height H indicated i~ Figure 2 would be somewhat larger so that it would clearly exceed the sum of th~ thickness o~ the primary plank 12 and the width o~ the secondary plank or plan~ 14 so that the planks 14 would bQ first positioned and then tightened into place by at least one tightening screw 44 which would threadingly pass ~hrough plate 24 from the lower side and bear upon the lower sidQ
of plate ~o.
Viewinq the support plate 40 from LINE 5-5 shown in FIGU~E 4, a ~urther optional ~eature of the support plate is disclosed~ on the side o~ the support plate facing the tightening screws 44 a number of concavities 46 corresponding to the number of tightening screws 44 are positioned so that, when the tightening screws 44 are tightened to bear upon the lower surface of support plate 40, a concavity 46 to accc~modate the end of tightening screw 4~ along plate 40 is provided. In this matter, the slippage of tightening screw 44 is minimized.
Just as the first embodiment was shown in FIGURE 2 as haviny a single secondary plank 14 in use and the second embodiment shown in FIGURE 4 shows a plurality of three such planks 14, there is no limitation of the separate embodiments, so that a plurality of planks 14 could have been used with the embodiment in PIGURE 2 or a single plank 14 could have been used with the second embodiment in FIGURE 4.
The operative engage~ent of the brac~et 20 of the present invention with scaffolding planks 12 and 14 2~2~3~
. , . . . . . , _ . . . .
is illustrated ~n Figur~ 6. In thls cut away v~ QW the engagement o~ the relativQ parts at on~ ~nd o~ each such plan~ 12 i~ shown. It will be understood that placement of a similar bracket 20 a~ the other end og p~an~ 12 would be used, and it is conceivable that it ~ay be desirabls to usa even more than two bracket~ to securely hold secondary plank 14 benea~h th~ scaffolding plank 12.
If such a third or additional bracket 20 were to b~ used, it would preferable to place it toward the center of the length of the primary plank 12 or another symmetical pattern.
Although the relative thickness o~ the individual pieces of braclcet 20 as shown in ~igure 2 and their relative width in Figure 3 are not cri~ical to the invention, it will be understood that a preferred method of pr~paring the invention 20 would be to use steel or similar ~etal, even more preferably, a barstock being approximately 1/8" thick and about 2~ wide.
Although the preferred material of construction is metal, it is also clear that the invention is not limited by such a material and that a thermoplastic material would indeed be functional ~or that purpose.
One knowledgeable in the ~ormation of metallic pieces will certainly be familiar with the proper methods and location of welding the relative parts of the bracket 20.
Similarly, one forminq the bracket 20 from a proper thermoplastic material, such as a polycarbonate, polypropylene, or similar material, will be familiar with the ~olding methods needed and ~he relative size of the respect~ve pieces.
Referring to Figure 6 again, then, a method for reinforcing a primary plank 12 by increasing the deflection resistance of the plank has been disclosed~ A
second plank 14 is positioned centrally beneath the width dimension of the first plank 12 so that the thickness 2~2~32 .. . .
dimenslon o~ th~ second plan3c 14 bear~3 agaln~t the underside of the f lrst plank 12 along th~3 length of t~
~ rslt plank 12 . .~t leas~c two bxackets 20 o~ the present invent~on are used to hold such second plan3cs 14 lrl such positlonO
While in accordance with the paterlt sta'cutes thQ best mode and pref~rred embodi.ment o~ the invention has been descr1bed~ lt i~ to be understood that the invention is not limi~ed ~hereto, but rather is to be measured by 'che scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims (8)
1. A brace for increasing the beam deflection resistance of a primary plank by removably positioning at least one secondary plank against said primary plank in a perpendicular relationship, each said plank having dimensions of width, length and thickness, said brace comprising:
a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section, comprising a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces, each said base piece and side piece having respective first and second ends;
said first base piece being essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed at right angles to the respective first ends of said two side pieces;
said second base piece being essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed to the respective second ends of one of said two side pieces;
each said side piece consisting of a first and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle formed between said straight portions, said first straight portion being at the first end of said side piece and being at least as long as the thickness of said primary plank, said second portion being at the second end of said side piece and being of proper length and said obtuse angle being of proper angularity to form the isosceles trapezoidal cross section such that the height of said trapezoid is at least equal to the sum of the thickness of said primary plank and the width of said secondary plank.
a closed frame member, having an essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section, comprising a first base piece, a second base piece, and two side pieces, each said base piece and side piece having respective first and second ends;
said first base piece being essentially as long as the width of the primary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed at right angles to the respective first ends of said two side pieces;
said second base piece being essentially as long as the thickness of at least one secondary plank and having its respective first and second ends affixed to the respective second ends of one of said two side pieces;
each said side piece consisting of a first and a second straight portion with an obtuse angle formed between said straight portions, said first straight portion being at the first end of said side piece and being at least as long as the thickness of said primary plank, said second portion being at the second end of said side piece and being of proper length and said obtuse angle being of proper angularity to form the isosceles trapezoidal cross section such that the height of said trapezoid is at least equal to the sum of the thickness of said primary plank and the width of said secondary plank.
2. A brace according to Claim 1 wherein the second base piece is adapted with means for removably fastening said secondary plank to said brace.
3. A brace according to Claim 1 wherein the brace further comprises means for supporting said secondary plank or planks in a perpendicular relationship to said primary plank.
4. A brace according to Claim 1 wherein said means for supporting comprises a pair of essentially "L"-shaped members having first and second ends, said first ends affixed to the said ends of the second base piece and said second ends affixed along the length of said second straight portion of the adjacent said side piece, such that the "L"-shaped members are positioned internal to the essentially isosceles trapezoidal cross section.
5. A brace according to Claim 4 wherein a support plate is slidably engaged upon the legs of the "L"-shaped members adjacent to the first ends thereof, said support plate being adjustably spaced from the second base piece by a means for tightening said support plate against said secondary planks.
6. A brace according to Claim 1 wherein said brace is comprised of metal bar stock.
7. A brace according to Claim 6 wherein the metal bar stock is about 1/8" in thickness and about 2"
in width.
in width.
8. A method for increasing the beam deflection resistance of a primary scaffolding plank with at least one secondary plank and at least two braces having the limitations recited in Claim 1, said method comprising:
positioning at least one said brace near each end of said primary plank, so that the first base piece of said brace securely engages the width dimension of said primary plank and the second base piece of said brace is positioned on the underside and generally centrally beneath said primary plank;
slidingly engaging at least said secondary plank into the respective braces near each end of the primary plank, so that each said secondary plank is positioned perpendicular to said primary plank and bears against the central longitudinal portion of said primary plank; and removable securing each said secondary plank into engagement with said primary plank by means for securing disposed in said second base piece.
positioning at least one said brace near each end of said primary plank, so that the first base piece of said brace securely engages the width dimension of said primary plank and the second base piece of said brace is positioned on the underside and generally centrally beneath said primary plank;
slidingly engaging at least said secondary plank into the respective braces near each end of the primary plank, so that each said secondary plank is positioned perpendicular to said primary plank and bears against the central longitudinal portion of said primary plank; and removable securing each said secondary plank into engagement with said primary plank by means for securing disposed in said second base piece.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/524,086 US4984656A (en) | 1990-05-15 | 1990-05-15 | Brace for scaffolding plank |
| US524,086 | 1990-05-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2042632A1 true CA2042632A1 (en) | 1991-11-16 |
Family
ID=24087707
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002042632A Abandoned CA2042632A1 (en) | 1990-05-15 | 1991-05-15 | Brace for scaffolding plank |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4984656A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2042632A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5727647A (en) * | 1996-06-06 | 1998-03-17 | Brantley, Jr.; Martin T. | Appratus and method for providing increased deflection resistance to a plank |
| AU2017292898A1 (en) * | 2016-07-04 | 2019-01-31 | Chris Leonardi | Temporary construction element stand or support apparatus |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2415461A (en) * | 1947-02-11 | Scaffolding | ||
| US175095A (en) * | 1876-03-21 | Improvement in painters scaffolds | ||
| US1142955A (en) * | 1915-03-25 | 1915-06-15 | William C Gaw | Painter's platform. |
| GB405326A (en) * | 1932-08-03 | 1934-02-05 | Alexander Stewart Mcleod | An improved board or support for use by builders and others |
| US2741513A (en) * | 1952-05-05 | 1956-04-10 | Lloyd E Dempsey | Swing stage platform |
| US3223370A (en) * | 1964-06-11 | 1965-12-14 | Harold V Pignon | Plank support bracket |
| US3738603A (en) * | 1971-08-04 | 1973-06-12 | A Arnett | Joist supporting device |
| US3854552A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1974-12-17 | M Kensrue | Scaffold planking clamp |
| US3954248A (en) * | 1974-12-12 | 1976-05-04 | Stanley Barber | Spanner beam hanger assembly |
| US4187929A (en) * | 1978-08-03 | 1980-02-12 | Cyr Leonide A | Scaffold stabilizer |
| US4558838A (en) * | 1984-10-30 | 1985-12-17 | Unarco Industries, Inc. | Storage rack with wood cross bars and end bracket for the same |
-
1990
- 1990-05-15 US US07/524,086 patent/US4984656A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-05-15 CA CA002042632A patent/CA2042632A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4984656A (en) | 1991-01-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |